The PCT recorded an increase in demand among Russians for tours to the DPRK

Russians' interest in traveling to the DPRK continues to grow, with a total increase of up to 15% in the current year alone. This was announced on August 14 by Inna Mukhina, an expert of the Russian Union of Travel Industry (PCT), director of the Vostok-Intour tour operator.

"Compared to last year, the increase in the number of tourists is at least 10-15%. July turned out to be a record year, we sent 500 people on different tours — by air and by rail," she is quoted as saying on the union's website.

Among the most sought-after destinations, the expert named the Wonsan-Kalma resort on the coast of the Sea of Japan, trips to Pyongyang, mountain routes to Mount Paektu and holidays at ski resorts. Interest in the Sondowon International children's camp has also grown: more than 400 children arrived there in the first two shifts, which is 50% more than a year earlier.

Mukhina noted that booking tours for autumn and winter holidays is already underway. At the same time, she recalled that visiting the DPRK is possible only as part of organized groups through accredited tour operators, since the country maintains strict entry rules.

According to her, it is the closeness of the state that remains one of the features that attract travelers. After the resumption of tourism in 2024, about 4 thousand Russians visited North Korea, and in 2025 — more than 7 thousand.

Alexander Zhebin, a leading researcher at the ICSA RAS Center for Korean Studies, said on July 26 that North Korea could be considered a popular destination for Russians because of its ecological purity. According to him, it is famous for its mineral springs and mountains.